Liverpool to Cardiff train with Transport for Wales

Fri 10 Jul
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Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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  • Transport for WalesW44879+West Midlands TrainsC17016
    20:084h10
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    0:18Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £401One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38892+West Midlands TrainsC16969
    18:123h43
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    21:55Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £401One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38889+West Midlands TrainsC16964
    17:103h44
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    20:54Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £471One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38934+Mersey RailC07997
    17:323h51
    Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
    21:23Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £471One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38935+Mersey RailC08019
    21:174h16
    Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
    1:33Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £471One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Liverpool to Cardiff

The cheapest option from Liverpool to Cardiff is coach, with an average price of £25. Omio recommends booking the train, as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Cardiff among Omio users. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg.

Distance: 215 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£57

Average Price

£25

Average Price

Cheapest option

4h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest option

3h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 46m

Average total duration

6h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Liverpool to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Friday 10 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW33943+Transport for WalesG388665:25 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
4h27
9:52 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Mersey RailC07915+Transport for WalesG389116:12 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
3h45
9:57 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG38868+West Midlands TrainsS120526:33 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
4h16
10:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Mersey RailC07917+Avanti West CoastW34252+Transport for WalesG388686:46 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
4h03
10:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Mersey RailC07919+Transport for WalesG389147:17 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
3h58
11:15 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33878+Transport for WalesG388707:40 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
3h58
11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Mersey RailC07921+Avanti West CoastW34089+Transport for WalesG388707:47 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
3h51
11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Mersey RailC07926+Transport for WalesG38556 · G388738:24 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
4h20
12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
West Midlands TrainsS12050+CrossCountryG01144+Great Western RailwayW346188:33 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
4h04
12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34170 · W33888+CrossCountryG01144+Great Western RailwayW346188:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
3h54
12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)3 changes
Avanti West CoastW34170+Transport for WalesG388738:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
4h01
12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG38921+Mersey RailC079339:32 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
3h43
13:15 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34119+Transport for WalesG388749:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
4h10
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG38335 · G38560 · G388779:47 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
4h57
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Transport for WalesG38874+West Midlands TrainsC1692910:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
3h41
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Mersey RailC07957+Transport for WalesG38566 · G3888012:32 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
4h14
16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33894+Transport for WalesG3888012:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
4h03
16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Mersey RailC07959+Avanti West CoastW34217+Transport for WalesG3888012:46 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
4h00
16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Mersey RailC07965+Transport for WalesG3892713:32 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
3h45
17:17 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33949+Transport for WalesG3888213:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
4h01
17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Mersey RailC07967+Avanti West CoastW34281+Transport for WalesG3888213:46 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
3h58
17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Liverpool to Cardiff by coach or train

Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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23 Jul

Why should you book Liverpool to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and more offer trains services from Liverpool to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Liverpool to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Cardiff.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Liverpool to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Liverpool to Cardiff.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Liverpool to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Liverpool to Cardiff is 21 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Liverpool to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Liverpool to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Liverpool to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Liverpool to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Typically, there are 8 trains per day from Liverpool to Cardiff, including direct trains, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:18, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 215 km distance in 3h 26m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
Distance
215 km
Average train duration
3h 32m
Lowest ticket price
£32
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
3h 26m
First train
3:18
Last train
23:34
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
2 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Liverpool to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Liverpool and Cardiff from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
£35
Transport for Wales frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 13m
Cheapest Price
£32
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 26m
Cheapest Price
£52
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 59m
Cheapest Price
£124
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Liverpool to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool to Cardiff by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The train distance from Liverpool to Cardiff is 215 km.
The first train from Liverpool to Cardiff leaves at 3:18.
The last train from Liverpool to Cardiff departs at 23:34.
Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Liverpool to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Liverpool to Cardiff.
To get from Liverpool to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Liverpool to Cardiff.
The train station in Liverpool that goes to Cardiff is Liverpool Lime Street (LIV), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
Booking trains from Liverpool to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Liverpool to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, showcasing the rolling hills of Wales and scenic countryside views, particularly as it approaches the Welsh border and travels through the picturesque areas of Cheshire and Shropshire.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Liverpool to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Liverpool and Cardiff

Most Liverpool to Cardiff trains use the Liverpool Lime Street to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Liverpool
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Liverpool Lime StreetLime St, Liverpool L1 1JD, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool Lime Street from Liverpool city centre

Suburban train linesWirral Line (green)
Bus lines9, 10, 61, 82, 79, 86C, 500
Train linesNorthern, West Midlands, TransPennine Express, East Midlands, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London Northwestern
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement services depart at the Bus stop on Skelhorne Street, near the Tesco Express. L3 5GA.

Liverpool Lime Street train station facilities and services

Liverpool Lime Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.

Liverpool James StreetLiverpool James Street station, James Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 7PQWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool James Street from Liverpool city centre

Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainWest Kirby - West Kirby, Chester - Chester, Hooton - Chester, Ellesmere Port - Birkenhead Hamilton Square, Rock Ferry - West Kirby, Rock Ferry - Ellesmere Port, Ellesmere Port - Ellesmere Port, New Brighton - New Brighton, Moorfields - Chester, Ellesmere Port - Chester, Hooton - Ellesmere Port, Birkenhead Hamilton Square - West Kirby · 3m · £0.90 · every ~22 min
Bus10A · 8m · £4 · every ~25 min
838 · 13m

Liverpool James Street train station facilities and services

Liverpool James Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Liverpool James Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Liverpool James Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool James Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform”The Ticket Office is step free via James Street only and platforms can be accessed via lifts, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Liverpool South ParkwayLiverpool South Parkway station, Holly Farm Road, Garston, Merseyside, L19 5NE+44 1515551111WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool South Parkway from Liverpool city centre

Liverpool South Parkway is 8 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Warrington Central, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Oxford Road, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Piccadilly · 9m · £3 · every ~4 min
Liverpool Central - Hunts Cross, Ormskirk - Hunts Cross, Sandhills - Hunts Cross · 12m · £4 · every ~7 min
Bus82 · 31m · £4 · every ~19 min
80A, 80 · 35m · £2 · every ~12 min
86A, 80A, 80 · 37m · £4 · every ~37 min

Liverpool South Parkway train station facilities and services

Liverpool South Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Liverpool South Parkway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool South Parkway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Liverpool South Parkway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool South Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Platforms are accessible via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Liverpool to Cardiff train

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